Alcohol Information
About Alcohol and College Life
College culture can come with a lot of assumptions about drinking—like everyone does it or that partying every weekend is “normal.” But those ideas don’t always match reality.
Get anonymous, online feedback about your alcohol use—no meeting required.
In fact, 95% of CU Boulder students surveyed say it’s acceptable to not drink at a party, based on responses from the National College Health Assessment.
Take a moment to reflect:
- Where did your ideas about partying come from (friends, family, social media, TV)?
- Do those expectations match what you want from your college experience?
Challenging assumptions can help you make choices that feel more intentional and more aligned with your goals.
How Alcohol Affects Your Brain and Body
Alcohol impacts your body in stages. The effects can feel subtle at first, but they build as you drink more and they don’t always show up the same way for everyone.
You might notice:
- Reduced social anxiety
- Increased positive feelings
- Feeling louder, bolder or more energetic
These early effects can make alcohol feel fun or relaxing, but they can also lower your ability to judge situations clearly.
As alcohol continues to affect your brain:
- Motor skills slow (fumbling, slurred speech)
- Reaction time and vision are impaired
- Social cues are more likely to be misread
- Muscle control decreases (stumbling is common)
- Sexual function and decision-making are impaired
This is often when unwanted experiences—like injuries, conflicts or consent issues—are more likely.
At higher levels, alcohol can seriously impact your health:
- Inability to stand or stay awake
- Vomiting and risk of choking
- Passing out
- Slowed or impaired breathing and circulation
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Risk of alcohol poisoning and death
Knowing these stages can help you recognize when someone (including yourself) needs help.
If You Choose to Drink: Tips to Stay Safer
- Start slow and know your tolerance (it can change in a new environment).
- Take breaks and pace yourself.
- Have a plan for handling peer pressure or for leaving when you’re ready.
- 12 oz beer
- 5 oz wine
- 1.5 oz hard liquor
A 16 oz drink is more than one standard drink.
- Eat a meal or snack before drinking.
- Drink water throughout the day and night.
- Try alternating alcoholic drinks with water.
Using more than one substance at a time—including alcohol, medications or other drugs—can increase the risk of overdose and other unwanted experiences. Interactions can be unpredictable and affect people differently.
Bottom line: Use only one substance at a time.
- Make a plan for getting home before you start drinking.
- Do not drive after drinking, or get in the car with someone who has been drinking.
- CU NightRide offers free evening transportation to and from any location within Boulder city limits.
Look out for each other
Buffs look out for each other, whether that’s supporting limits, getting home safe or stepping in when help is needed. It’s important to show up for each other, especially when alcohol or other drugs are involved.
Most sexual assaults involve someone the person knows. Pay attention if someone is:
- Pressuring another person to drink or use more than they want
- Initiating sexual contact with someone who is very intoxicated
- Isolating someone who’s had too much or is having a poor experience
- Not being clear about what’s in a drink or drug
You can also review information for hazing and reporting options.
If something feels off, trust your gut. Stepping in or getting help can make a real difference.
Be Ready for Emergencies
Signs of alcohol poisoning or overdose:
- Passed out or unresponsive
- Slow or no breathing
- Vomiting while passed out
- Pale, bluish or clammy skin
- Gurgling, wheezing or snoring sounds
- Very small (pinpoint) pupils
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
What to do:
- Call 911 immediately
- Administer naloxone, even if you’re unsure about the person’s condition
- Put the person in the recovery position
- Stay with the person until help arrives
Good news: CU’s Amnesty Policy and Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law can protect you from disciplinary action or prosecution if you call for help and stay with the person.